Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions

All Salem State students are encouraged to study abroad! No matter your major or your career goals, every student can benefit from a study abroad experience. Whether it’s a one-week travel course, a short summer program, or a full semester abroad, we can make it work with any major.

Who is eligible to study abroad?

Students:

• With good academic standing, which is a 2.0 gpa or above
• Who have no disciplinary record
• Are approved through Salem State Study Abroad

*Please note that each individual program will have its own eligibility requirements that may be different from the Salem State requirements.

Almost anywhere! We work with study abroad providers who offer programs in almost any region of the world. 

The language requirements depend on the specific program, but there are a wide variety of programs available that teach courses in English. In most cases, if you are going to a non-English speaking country, you would take the majority of your courses in English, and then take a language course. So, for example, a Business major can go to Spain, take business classes in English, and then take a Spanish language course.

Spring or Fall Semester programs: 12 – 18 credits (4 or 5 classes)

Summer programs: 3 – 9 credits (1 – 3 classes)

Winter term programs: 3 credits (1 class)

Yes! If a student is going on a program that is approved through Salem State Study Abroad, credits will transfer back to Salem State. Students must earn a C- in order for the credits to transfer. Courses taken abroad to fulfill degree credits, and the study abroad office will assist students to get their courses pre-approved by their departments. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to discuss which courses and degree requirements are best taken abroad.

Most students study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. Most programs do not allow freshmen to participate, however, students can study abroad the summer after their freshman year. It is not advisable to study abroad your last semester before graduating, as it can take time to receive and process transcripts.

Students are strongly advised to start preparing and researching all financing options for their study abroad program as soon as possible. Financial aid must be finalized at least one month before departure.

Generally, financial aid for the aid year can be applied toward the study abroad program. However, some types of financial aid, including housing grants and the Massachusetts Tuition Waiver, are not eligible during the student's time abroad. Students must maintain financial aid eligibility to receive aid. this includes Maintaining Satisfactory Progress and being enrolled at least half-time, six or more credit hours.

If a student is receiving an outside scholarship, they must check with the scholarship provider to ensure the scholarship can be used towards the costs of their term abroad.

Students must first complete a Budget Form with the Study Abroad Advisor for their chosen program, which will give an idea of the estimated total costs. The Financial Aid Office uses the information on the Budget Form to adjust the cost of attendance for the study abroad term. When reviewing the estimated costs with the Study Abroad Advisor, please make sure the amounts are generous enough to cover all estimated costs.

After the student completes the Budget Form, the Financial Aid Office will contact them to schedule a meeting to review their financial aid package, the estimated cost of attendance, and the estimated remaining out-of-pocket costs left after their financial aid. If the study abroad program requires extra documentation to be completed by the Financial Aid Office, it must be sent to the Financial Aid Office before the meeting.

It is important to note that financial aid is disbursed after the census date for each term of enrollment, including the study abroad term. Aid cannot be disbursed before the census date. When financial aid funds are disbursed, any outstanding balances owed to the university are paid first. If there are any excess funds after the balance has been paid, a refund will be generated. A refund can be directly deposited into a student's checking or savings account (see How to Register for eRefunds) or mailed to the student at their permanent address within two weeks. For any questions regarding refunds, please contact the Student Navigation Center.

Students must make payment arrangements with the study abroad program if payment is due before financial aid is disbursed. For any questions regarding payments or fees directly related to the study abroad program, please contact the Study Abroad Office or the program directly. 

Unfortunately, no. Since you will be a visitor in a foreign country, immigration laws do not permit students abroad. Work extra hard before your program, and take the time to enjoy your new location and focus on your studies while abroad.

If you want to study abroad but can't be away from home for an entire semester for whatever reason, there are numerous programs that take place over the summer or winter break that only last a few weeks. You can also consider one of our study-travel programs, which is a Salem State course that travels with their professor for about 7-10 days.

Salem State is a part of the National Student Exchange, which offers students the opportunity to study at universities in the U.S., Canada, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.